Do y'all believe in Karma?
E L L E"You're a powerful and influential woman, and they are nothing compared to you. So, stop sitting here and moping, and showing them that you're hurting, and you need their pity. Get up and prove them wrong. Show them that you're the boss and you have it all under control."She continued, "Don't let them see you cry. Don't let them see you hurt. They're winning, and you're losing. If you continue acting like this, then they'll forever be on top and will have the last laugh. Show them who the real winner is.""How? I have no motivation. I don't have a desire to fight anymore.""That's the problem. You have to start fighting. No one will be there to fight your battles. And, as much as you want to stay home and cry, it's not going to help. You'll end up more miserable than you already are. So, you have to get up and make them regret. Don't give up. Show them what you're capable of.""You are the strongest woman I've ever met, Elle. You have so much potential and are going places. Yo
E L L EIt was our last night in Bali and we decided to do one last fun thing, before leaving the city and its beauty behind.It was our last night on the island and we were ready to enjoy.Avery was standing by the balcony of the bedroom, looking out at the ocean as the sun went down."You ready?""Of course.""Then, let's go. Gio should be waiting for us.""She is. I spoke to her."I nodded and walked out of the bedroom, and headed towards the front door.The driver was already waiting for us outside, and I got into the car and sat down.Giovanna was already in the car, and I leaned forward and hugged her."Where are we going?""It's a surprise," Giovanna responded, and winked."Aww. Come on, Gio. You have to give me something.""Nope. Avery made me promise not to tell you.""I did, and she's not breaking the promise," Avery chimed in."Okay, okay. Fine." I huffed. "At least tell me what am I supposed to wear.""Nothing.""Nothing? Then why am I even here?""We're not going to strip
E L L EI arrived in New York on a Friday night, and in a blink of an eye, it was already Monday. Which only meant one thing, back to work.It was weird, being in New York again after spending a month in Bali.Bali was the dream, but the city was where I was meant to be. I loved the city, and everything it offered.New York was full of opportunities and possibilities. And not to forget, stress. The city was buzzing with activities, and people were always on the move. I haven’t driven in a month, and I almost forgot how it felt to be in control of my life. Maybe I should have extended my vacation for two months, because having to run a company after having the best vacation of my life wasn't the most ideal thing.But, I knew I couldn’t leave the company under my father’s watch for too long. He wasn’t as strong and energetic as he used to be, and the last thing I wanted was for him to overexert himself.Varian wasn’t really interested in the company and it must have been hectic for him.
E L L EI went into my office and locked the door, placing the files on my desk. I picked up my oho e and decided to dial Varian."Hey, you're back." He greeted, and I frowned."Varian, did you know that the financial report was a mess, and that the shareholders are thinking of ditching the company?""Oh, shit. Dad didn't tell you.""No, he didn't. He had the board members cover it up, and didn't even have the decency to inform me.""Oh, that's bad.""I had to find out during the meeting.""What? Seriously, dad was supposed to tell you.""He didn't. But, it's fine. I'll handle it." It wasn't. "What are you going to do?""I'm going to do what I'm paid to do. I'll try and convince the shareholders to stay, or if they insist, find a way to get more investors. We can't let them take the big ones, and leave us with the small fry.""That's a smart move.""It's the only thing I can think of, right now. There's no telling what could happen. There's a possibility that the shares might be take
E L L EThe day wasn't even over yet, but I was ready to call it a day. I was pissed. Beyond pissed.My whole body vibrated with anger as I packed my thing into my handbag, and grabbed my car keys. I couldn't think straight. I just needed to get out of the office, and get some fresh air.Then go to my parent's house.The anger I was feeling was only going to take the best out of me if I didn't let it out, and who else would I be able to let it out to.My father. He wasn't the cause of the loss, but he was also the cause. All he could have done was tell me about it sooner, I would have left every single thing I was doing in Bali, to save the company.I didn't build it to this level for five freaking years, only to see it crumble right before my eyes.A wave of guilt hit me as I realized that I was having so much fun in Bali, while my company was crumbling without my knowledge and no one thought to tell me."Fucking bullshit."I stormed out of the building, and was about to climb into m
E L L EHis jaw clenched, as he gave me a deathly glare. "Are you trying to call me incompetent? Don't you forget that I handed that company over to you, Child. And I know know best, I've been in the game way before you were born and I know exactly how this works. You've only just stepped into the field. Don't tell me how to run a business, and don't come crying to me when you can't fix it. You're the CEO, deal with it.""Deal with it? You want me to deal with it. Well, it's easy for you to say when you're retired. You don't commend me for all the hardwork I put into the company for five years without break. The little time I decided to have to myself, because I was fucking exhausted, is what led to this mess. A mess, which I'm going to have to clean up, alone. Without anyone's help.""You're not alone, honey." Mum interjected, but I ignored her."You want me to deal with this shit now that there's a problem. I can't fucking believe you, Dad. You didn't even tell me when I came back
E L L ETwo Weeks Later"I can't believe you're going through with this." I gritted out, looking at three of my biggest shareholders. No matter how hard my family and I had tried, two weeks wasn't enough to time to get the company back on it's feet. "What do you mean? They offered me an unbelievable deal, and I'd be crazy to say no. Not only that, the company is not making any money, and the board is losing confidence. They are starting to think the company is a sinking ship. We've lost one shareholder, and a lot of customers. It's not ideal. So, yes, I'm going through with it. There's no point wasting more time and resources on a sinking ship." Mr. Browne said, and the other men nodded in agreement. "This is unbelievable. You're selling the shares, and you don't even care. My father built this company, and you want to throw it all away, just like that." My words didn't seem to have any effect on them, as they still stood their ground. "Elle, it's been difficult, and there's noth
E L L EI took another swig of wine, as I adjusted my glasses, trying to make more researches about this new company.It was a Saturday morning, and if just finished with my laundry and took a shower. I was putting on just a old baggy T-shirt. It was Sebastian's.That was the only thing of his I had carried with him after our divorce five years ago, and for some reasons, I couldn't seem to let go of it. But, it was just a T-shirt anyways. I was definitely not wearing it because it reminded me of the times we had spent together.Nope.Not at all.I was wearing it, because I was a busy woman and couldn't be bothered to wear an actual shirt.That's right.I was just wearing the t-shirt and nothing else.I had a whole day to myself, and I planned to spend it on researching about this new competitor.It's not like I had anything else to do.I poured myself a glass of wine, and sat back down in front of the computer.My glasses were starting to slide down my nose, and I pushed them back.I
L A N AI sat in front of the three men I trusted so much and paid a hefty sum for their services. I knew they were the right men for the job, and they were willing to do whatever it took.Emory has been waiting for her chance to take down her arch nemesis, Elle, and now she finally had her chance.But these men just had to ruin it for me.They bowed their heads in shame, looking like a bunch of pathetic fools. My anger was beyond controllable. I could barely keep my shit together.I've had a perfect plan, but the damn men ruined it."What happened?" I asked calmly, though it was more like a threatening question."We’re sorry, mistress. She escaped before we could get a hold of her.”I stood to my feet, walking towards them and glaring into their eyes."How did she escape? I gave you guys all the necessary information and resources. How did she manage to escape? You're supposed to be the best, but you failed. You failed me.""Mistress, please forgive us. It wasn't our fault.""Not you
E M O R YONE MONTH EARLIER My stiletto heels clicked as I walked majestically towards the restaurant. I was putting on a shimmery red dress and silver heels, feeling superior and on top of the world.My make up was well done and my body was banging in this dress. Childbirth has been the worst thing to happen to me, but all thanks to my doctor who prescribed a pack of ozempic for me, and now, I'm finally back to the way I used to be.I'm the queen, and everyone is going to kneel before me.My C-section scar has healed perfectly, leaving just a faint mark. I'll be able to get it removed once I get enough money.I took multiple drugs to stop my boobs from producing more milk, to stop my hormones from going crazy and I finally feel normal again.The only downside is that my hair has started falling.My hair was a beautiful, luscious, silky mane and it's one of the reasons why people loved me. But, my hair is no longer healthy.I blame that damn baby for sucking the life out of me and ma
E L L EMikhail and I sat side by side on the dining table. My parents and brother were across from us.It was awkward, and no one spoke for the first couple of minutes.My dad cleared his throat."So, how long have you been seeing my daughter, Mikhail?"Mikhail finished chewing his food and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Six months now, sir.""And, what do you plan to do with my daughter in the future?""Dad!" I scolded."What? Am I not allowed to ask these questions? You're my daughter.""I know, but, Dad.""Mr. Marino, with all due respect, I plan on marrying her. I love your daughter so much, sir. I would do anything for her. Anything. And, if she'll have me, I would be the happiest man in the world."My heart skipped a beat and my stupid brother wriggled his eyebrow, giving me a smirk."Are you sure about that?" My dad asked."Positive. I would like to have your blessing, sir. I know I'm not good enough for her. I know I can never deserve someone like her. But, I promise that I'
E L L ETwo Weeks LaterThe nightmares hadn't stopped.It had been two weeks since the incident, and the bruises and cuts were healing, but the memories were still there.The feeling of helplessness and the fear were still haunting me. Anytime I close my eyes, the scene flashes in front of my eyes, making me wake up in the middle of the night, panting and sweating.My therapist had prescribed a few sleeping pills to help me cope, but they were no use.I had a lot of restless nights.The man in the black suit was always there.Waiting for me.I was scared, but I knew the pills were supposed to help. So, I continued taking them.I was staying at my parents' house as my house was currently being renovated and repaired.The security was also beefed up.I was lucky to have survived that.The moment my mom saw the condition I was in from the hospital, she had broken down when she was told what happened. She became even more overprotective and she and my dad with Variant decided that I was
E L L EI heard a beeping noise and a faint sound of footsteps. It felt like I was floating, and the beeping was getting louder and louder.My body felt numb, and my eyes were heavy. It was cold, and the sheets were rough.I didn't know where I was.The beeping was too loud, and the footsteps were getting closer and closer. My eyes fluttered open and I winced at the bright lights, before closing them again.My head was pounding and throbbing painfully, as if it was about to explode. My mouth was dry, and my lips were chapped. I could taste the blood in my mouth and it made me nauseous.The footsteps stopped, and the voices were clearer."Is she going to be okay?""What's wrong with her?""When is she going to wake up?"I opened my eyes slowly, adjusting to the bright lights and looked around. I was in a hospital room. The beeping sound was coming from the machines and the footsteps were doctors and nurses.I could see people standing near the door, their voices low.I tried to speak,
E L L EThe day I wasn't looking forward to finally arrived. The end of our mini vacation.Mikhail and I were in his car as we drove out of the mini heaven and back into the city.He looked calm, but I knew he wasn't looking forward to this any more than I was.My new car has been moved to my house the previous day, I would rather sit in the car with Mikhail than drive behind him. At least, I get to enjoy passenger princess benefits.Mikhail had one arm resting on the steering wheel and his other hand was holding mine, our fingers intertwined.As much as I hated to leave the house, the mini vacation had given me and Mikhail the space and time we needed. I didn't think it was possible for our bond to become even more stronger, but it did. Everyday with him feels like the first, of not just falling in love with him, but also discovering new things about him.Who would've imagined that the man who couldn't get his eyes off of me and I the same at the gala was mine and now, I get to live
E L L EI was watching Mikhail swim, his shirtless body glistening as the sunlight hit him.God, he looked gorgeous.I was sitting by the pool, and my eyes were glued to him, as he swam laps. I was wearing a sexy two piece bikini and Mikhail couldn't keep his eyes off of me. I knew exactly how to distract him.Ever since we had that talk last night, I could sense the difference in his behavior. He was more open and affectionate, which was good, but the fact that Lana had already tried to call him twice today, meant she wouldn't give up.He blocked her number right after though, and I suggested he came out for swimming to help him take his mind off of things since it was one of his favorite things to do. But, every time he went underwater, he would lift my legs and touch them.He swam closer to me, pulling my legs up so he could stand between them, and I wrapped them around him. His hands wrapped around my ass and he squeezed, causing a soft moan to escape my lips."Mm. You drive me c
E L L EI don't know what I was thinking, probably that Mikhail never had an ex. It was funny, really. It just never crossed my mind that he has been with other women before, that he was once in love with another woman and probably wanted to spend the rest of his life with them too.It never occurred to me, that he'd had other relationships.And, the thought of him being in love with someone else, being so intimate with another woman, made me feel nauseous.It shouldn't matter. He had an ex-girlfriend, and so what? We both had past relationships, but knowing that he has had someone in his life before me, made me feel uneasy. What made me feel more uneasy was the fact that it was the same woman we saw at the restaurant. That woman screamed trouble, and her confronting Mikhail and also calling him now, meant she had no intention of giving up.And, the fact that Mikhail didn't want to tell me who she was, just made things worse.I wasn't mad at him for not telling me, but I was curious,
E L L EI looked at Mikhail as he slept soundly, his hands holding mine as if he was scared of losing me even in his sleep. I felt safe, protected, and loved.My love for him grew deeper and stronger, and I knew it wasn't something that could be taken lightly.We've been dating for five months, and every single day, he showed me that he truly loved and cherished me. It feels like I've known him forever and I wondered where he was all my life. He wasn't the type of guy who'd not only say sweet nothings, he was the kind of guy who'd show his love, prove his love.And, that was why I was falling deeper and deeper for him.The way he'd take care of me, shower me with gifts, and make sure I was comfortable and satisfied.The way he'd drop by the office and have lunch with me, bringing me my favorite meals.The way he'd make sure to check up on me after work, no matter how busy he was. It was a type of love I've never experienced before. Not while dating Sebastian, not even when I became h